Having just returned from two weeks of adventure and many stories from Peru, my original thought was to share one photo from each day. However, with thousands of photos and dozens of stories, that became an impossible task. So, here are a few photos of our time in Lima, followed by an account of our work with students at Picaflor House, our visits to Machu Picchu, and finally some of our encounters with remote island communities.
A. Life in Lima
Lima is a city of ten million, perched on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean. With the Andes mountains on one side and ocean currents on the other, Lima is actually a desert region. As well, for eight months each year, it experiences continuously overcast skies, so much so that the highrise buildings face inland because there is seldom a view over the ocean.















B. The Reason for the Trip
Well, really, there were two reasons. We definitely wanted to visit Machu Picchu but a huge reason to travel to Peru was the chance to meet and work with children at Picaflor House, an after school program for at-risk children in a small village one hour from Cuzco.
The children attend public school from about 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. At 2:00, they walk a couple of blocks to Picaflor House, where they are greeted warmly, fed well and given opportunities to play and learn until 5 pm. Students attend on a voluntary basis and there is no charge. The program has three paid staff and several volunteers to work with the children. The children learn English, practice school concepts like Math and Reading, and get help with homework. There are about 80 children in regular attendance.























C. On to Machu Picchu
Our group of 7 participants and two leaders with The Giving Lens were very excited to add to our stories from Peru while visiting Machu Picchu. Who doesn’t have this place on their bucket list? We planned on two consecutive days at the site, just in case weather interfered with our photographic plans. It turned out to be a great idea.















D. Stories from Peru: Lake Titikaka
After saying good bye to our new friends with The Giving Lens, my friend Buzz and I traveled to Lake Titikaka, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,000 feet. The lake is between Peru and Bolivia and includes three distinct island communities.
























In Closing
There are so many more pictures and stories from Peru that could be included. Peru is a wonderful destination, a country filled with colour, culture and history. We loved seeing and learning about the rich traditions of Peru. And, in spite of an economy that forces people to work 2-3 jobs and live with so much less than we can imagine, there is no shortage of smiles and friendly people. We’ll always feel a special connection to the many wonderful friends we made in Peru.
Related Posts
January 2, 2023
Twenty-two from 2022: My Picks from the Year
September 21, 2022
What an amazing insight into Peruvian culture Dennis. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Your images and words express your absolute joy in being there amidst the country’s beauty and people. As a result of your Peruvian experience and sharing this blog post, I am sure that you, I, and everyone you met in Peru, have a deeper appreciation for the blessings of life, cultural diversity, and the planet. Thank you for sharing.
You’re right, Chris. A trip like this has a lasting impact on me, that’s for sure, and the blessings we have. It was a definite highlight to work with the kids and go to their homes as well as to connect with Allejandro and his wife. How fortunate we are to be able to travel and gain perspective. Thanks so much, as always, for your comment.
Thanks for sharing a very interesting Peru visit. Well done!
Thanks, Ernie, for taking the time to look. I know it was a long one!
Thank you for sharing your adventure, Dennis. What a wonderful experience you had enjoying the sights and getting to know a little about the culture. Your photos of the people are amazing!
Thanks, Jaye! And I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time as well when you go. I’ll be looking forward to your pictures.
What a superb look into a largely unknown part of the world for most of us! Your photo blog really takes the viewer into the culture and experience the landscape . Very nice!
Thanks so much, Remco. That’s more than I could hope for!
Excellent pix, Den! You never fail to impress!
Thanks, Stu!
This is an amazing post Dennis and tells of a wonderful experience that I am now looking to gain. The world outside of home is a beautiful place with so much to offer in terms of learning. Thank you for sharing this!
You are so welcome, Roxanne. I agree, there is so much to gain from travel. Thank you so much for looking and commenting. We’re due for a visit!
Thanks for telling this story so well Dennis with your amazing images that really captured the destinations and the people. It’s still on my bucket list and after seeing your photos I’m not taking it off.
Hey, that’s great, Fred. I highly recommend the trip and would be glad to tell you more about it. Thanks so much for having a look.
Thanks for posting these wonderful pictures. To see you and Buzz, your smiles, the children and the beauty of the country and her people, gave me a little glimpse into your special adventure.
Hi Terry! And thank you so much for your donation of a camera which helped our adventure with the children.
Dennis your story is just like you… heartwarming,
your photo journey illuminating.
Thank you so much, Joy, for your encouraging comment.
Stunning! You have captured the warmth and colour of the country. We haven’t been fortunate enough to go to Peru yet, but your photos bring back wonderful memories of Nepal and Ecuador.
Thanks, Lynda! Ecuador is not far away. Glad the photos triggered a memory for you. Thanks so much for looking.
Wonderful pics from a memorable trip they are absolutly amazing you bring everything to life with your photos. it also brings back beautiful memories of my time in Peru.
Thanks so much, Helga. Looking forward to our next photo session.